Lehmann's Accompanists

Koldofsky

In a recent interview Gwendolyn Williams Koldofsky, one of Lehmann's last accompanists, spoke of her memories of Lehmann. "She possessed a rare, heavenly quality of voice and was a great actress. In her teaching and her singing she could do the same lieder over and over again, bringing fresh thoughts and a new vocabulary to the work. The artistic convictions and charisma we hear about so much—it was a beautiful experience! I have been with great singers all my life, but there was something about the unique quality, the sound of her voice, and her interpretations that were wonderful..."

Mme. Koldofsky joined Lehmann for her West Coast tours after 1943. She was Lehmann's accompanist for the "farewell" recital at the Music Academy of the West in 1951. She continued teaching the art of accompaniment both there and at the University of Southern California, until her recent retirement. One of her famous students, Martin Katz, is now teaching at the Music Academy. Koldofsky now lives in Santa Barbara. [Website readers please note: she has died.]

Koldofsky brought the same sensitivity to Lehmann's needs that Ulanowsky possessed. Able to adjust the rhythm to allow the extra breath, the nuances of phrasing, knowledgable in the repertoire and seemingly unflappable, Koldofsky was a perfect choice.

While at the Music Academy of the West I met Mme. Koldofsky and observed her patient work with fellow students. I'm grateful to have known this elegant, dignified and respected person. --GH